Careful zoning and a decades-long campaign to place large tracts of land into “forever wild” status has made Sanibel a model for seaside communities seeking to avoid commercial blight, crowds, and visual pollution. Much of Sanibel is as pristine and untouched as it was a hundred years ago.

Sanibel’s beaches are justly famous. The coral sand is brilliant white and the wide beaches slope gently into the Gulf. In addition to the stunning beach just across the street from our condominium (pictured above), beach access is provided at regular intervals along the shoreline, and Sanibel and neighboring Captiva Islands have several beach parks with differing typography and environments, all within an easy drive or bike ride. Every tide brings thousands of shells to the shore, making shell collecting a favorite vacation pastime.

Nature lovers, especially bird enthusiasts, will enjoy the island’s several nature preserves, particularly the Ding Darling National Wildlife Sanctuary. The preserve encompasses more than 6000 acres – roughly half the land area of Sanibel Island – and includes bays, tidal estuaries, and mangrove swamps, populated by huge flocks of shore birds, including the rare white pelican and the shockingly pink roseate spoonbill, as well as more solitary herons, egrets, and other wading and fishing birds. The park can be explored by car, from the park’s main road; smaller trails through the park can be traversed on foot or bicycle, and kayaks and canoes can be rented in the park for water exploration.

Bicycling is a favorite mode of transportation on Sanibel for residents of all ages, and the island’s network of bike paths is extensive. It is possible to peddle to almost any location on the island without venturing on the roads. Bicycles can be rented from several locations.

The coastal waters surrounding Sanibel constitute one of the premier fishing areas in the United States, with opportunities to land snapper and jack from bridges, piers, docks and inlets. Sport fishing charters are available on Sanibel and adjoining Captiva Island to go for bigger game including shark, grouper, tuna and mackerel.

Golfers will find two public courses on Sanibel, and over 70 golf courses in the Ft Myers area.

Sanibel is connected to the mainland by a causeway, which provides easy access to Ft. Meyers and its airport and commercial districts. The winter homes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, now museums, are located downtown and make fascinating day trips from Sanibel. Ft Meyers is winter home of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, and attending an exhibition game at one of the city’s two ball parks is a favorite activity of baseball fans.

Further afield, for nature lovers, is the western entrance of Everglades National Park, and the National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Preserve with more than a mile of boardwalked trails through a variety of South Florida typography.